Lola Belle Lavender

Lola Belle (Starr) Lavender, of Pasadena, Texas, passed away March 29, 2019 at 88 years of age. Born September 3, 1930 in Louise, Texas to Thomas Luther Starr and Johnnie Willis (Haynes) Starr, she was the youngest of nine children.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald T Lavender, eight siblings and their spouses, and her son-in-law, Richard Wilson.

Lola is survived by her children Donna Wilson, Averill Buchanan and husband Richard, and Kevin Lavender and wife, Terri. Also survived by her grandchildren Kyle Buchanan, Jason Lavender and wife Amanda, Andrea Kelly and husband Matt, Megan Caffey and husband Cody, Joshua Lavender, Madison Waltmon and husband Zac, Jordyn Rosenauer and husband Ryan, Sabrina Watson and fiancé Garrett Green. Her beloved great grandchildren include: Kendall Lavender, Caroline Lavender, Claire Caffey and Easton Rosenauer. Extended family includes treasured nieces, nephews, and precious friends of all ages who called her “Lola,” “Mama” or “Granny.” Her family was never dictated by blood, but instead by love.

Lola and her husband spent 36 years together. Married in 1951, they quickly found themselves in Pasadena raising three children and serving their community in numerous capacities. While it may have been Don who served in the United States Marine Corps, Lola was with him every step after his discharge. Together they were both active members of the 4th Marine Corps Division Association, the American Legion, and the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department.

Organizing and attending meetings of the Houston Chapter of the 4th Marine Corps Division Association Don and Lola traveled the country for yearly conventions. Her service to the organization continued even after her husband’s death and included Lola designing and sewing a hand made king-sized quilt detailing every association chapter in the US. Raffled off at an Association convention, the proceeds were a welcome addition to scholarship programs.

As a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Lola served for 60+ years with Pasadena Unit 521. Known for a direct personality during meetings, she worked tirelessly to support the Legion, its members, veterans, and their families. Countless hours were spent running bingo games, hosting Christmas parties, baking homemade pies, handing out Thanksgiving baskets, and serving in almost every leadership position within the Auxiliary.

As with the Marine Corps, it may have been Don serving the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years but it was Lola who held down the home front so he could dash off at the first sound of an alarm. Many a family meal went cold as he headed for No. 3 Fire Station, the same station that they would live in, maintain and run for one year. Lola was also the one who kept his uniforms clean and ready for Monday night drill meetings or parking cars at the high school football games.

Lola’s time was not limited to her family and her community as she worked numerous jobs throughout her life. Starting at the age of twelve and needing to help provide for her family, her employment was as varied as they come. From picking cotton, packing shrimp, and processing poultry, to cleaning offices, laundering clothes, and cooking in a hospital kitchen, Lola would and has done it all. Her last job saw her as a hostess at Pasadena Funeral Chapel utilizing her abilities to assist families during times of loss and grief.

Beloved by many, Lola Belle Lavender will truly be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to support the American Legion Auxiliary programs for Cancer Research or Girls State. Donations can be sent to: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 521, 2221 Preston Ave, Pasadena, TX 77503.